Detachable Endoscope Elevator Attachment for Easier Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes with forward oblique view types present challenges in cleaning due to the structure of the elevator attachment, making it difficult to detach for easy cleaning after use.
Innovation Solution
An elevator attachment with an inclined surface and pivotable elevator mechanism, attachable and detachable from the endoscope, facilitated by a removable jig for easy installation and removal, ensuring the endoscope can be cleaned efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the elevator attachment is integrated into the endoscope structure, then the endoscope can perform forward oblique view observation, but the cleaning process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator attachment is divided into separate detachable components including the elevator mechanism, holding body, and plates, allowing the cleaning process to be segmented into removable and fixed parts. This enables quick removal of the elevator attachment for cleaning while leaving the endoscope body intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator attachment is extracted as a separate detachable unit from the endoscope structure. This allows the elevator mechanism to be completely removed from the endoscope after use, enabling thorough cleaning of both the endoscope and the elevator attachment as separate components.
2Measurement precision
If the elevator attachment structure is made complex to achieve forward oblique view functionality, then the observation capability is improved, but the ease of detaching for cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The complex elevator attachment structure is segmented into modular components (holding body, first plate, second plate, elevator mechanism) that can be easily assembled and detached as a unit. This modular segmentation maintains the complex functionality while simplifying the attachment/detachment operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator attachment is pre-assembled with all its complex components in the correct configuration before being attached to the endoscope. This preliminary assembly ensures that the complex forward oblique view functionality is already configured, and only a simple attachment/detachment action is needed during use.
3Productivity
If the elevator attachment is made detachable for easy cleaning, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the structural stability during observation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator attachment transitions from a static integrated structure to a dynamic detachable structure. It can be firmly attached during observation to provide stability, and easily detached after use to enable efficient cleaning. The attachment mechanism allows the structure to adapt between these two states.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is pre-configured to provide firm engagement when attached, ensuring structural stability during observation. The same mechanism allows for quick release when detachment is required for cleaning, providing both stability and cleaning efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator attachment attachable to and detachable from an endoscope includes a holding body including an inclined surface plate covering a part of the inclined surface of the endoscope, a first plate raising from an edge of the inclined surface plate and located along the first inner wall and a second plate abutting against the second inner wall, and an elevator pivotally supported between the first and second plates and including a lever connection part to be connected to the lever, and the elevator attachment is to be attached to a first jig including a first abutting portion abutting against the inclined surface plate, an elastic plate projecting from the first abutting portion toward a space between the first and second plates, and a first retention projection projecting from an edge of the elastic plate toward the first plate and abutting against an end surface of the first plate.